UFC Postdoctoral Researcher
Nutrition Scientist
Academic Supervisor
AUTISM • GUT–BRAIN AXIS • NEUROINFLAMMATION • TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
Researching the biology behind brain, gut & behavior.
Quezia Jones is a postdoctoral researcher at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), a nutrition scientist, educator, and science communicator whose work explores autism spectrum disorder, neuroinflammation, gastrointestinal inflammation and the gut-brain axis.
Current Research
Gut–brain axis & neuroimmune mechanisms
Science Communication
Research and academic writing without complication
Leadership
Academic supervision and student development at Estácio
ABOUT
A scientist translating complex ideas into meaningful human-health questions.
Quezia’s work is driven by a strong commitment to developing innovative therapeutic strategies for conditions of major social impact, especially Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Her work explores autism, nutrition, neuroinflammation and the gut-brain axis, with the goal of translating preclinical science into meaningful advances.
Alongside research, she serves as Coordinator and Academic Supervisor of the Nutrition and Dietetics Program at Centro Universitário Estácio in Fortaleza, where she supports student learning, academic development and scientific engagement.
Quezia also communicates scientific research and academic writing in clear, accessible language, extending her work beyond the laboratory and classroom.
RESEARCH FOCUS
Connected areas of research
01
Autism & Neurodevelopment
Investigating neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms relevant to autism spectrum disorder through preclinical research.
02
Gut-Brain Axis
Exploring the connection between intestinal health, nutrition, microbiota and neurobehavioral outcomes.
03
Neuroinflammation
Examining inflammatory and neuroimmune pathways involved in neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.
04
Translational Science
Connecting experimental research to therapeutic questions that can inform future clinical progress and improvements in quality of life.
RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT & COLLABORATION
Research grows through strong scientific environments and collaboration.
Current Research Environment
UFC
LEFFAG / UFC
Quezia conducts her postdoctoral research as part of LEFFAG/UFC at the Federal University of Ceará. Her work contributes to collaborative research involving gastrointestinal inflammation, the gut-brain axis and neuroimmune mechanisms.
LEFFAG studies mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches related to gastrointestinal disease using preclinical and laboratory-based research.
Institutions across research, training and academic leadership
Quezia’s academic path connects research and training across institutions in Brazil and the United Kingdom.
UFC / LEFFAG
Postdoctoral research
UECE
Doctoral and nutrition training
Lancaster University
International research experience
Estácio
Academic supervision & student development
FEATURED RESEARCH
A spotlight on Quezia’s recent publication
Official article source
ScienceDirect ↗
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
Cannabinoid-based interventions for behavioral outcomes in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder:
A systematic review of safety and effectiveness
DOI 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2026.111697
2026 · Systematic Review · Official source: ScienceDirect
Cannabinoid-based interventions for behavioral outcomes in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of safety and effectiveness
This systematic review critically evaluates the safety and effectiveness of cannabinoid-based interventions for behavioral outcomes in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
Why it matters
It addresses an area of intense interest for ASD where therapeutic options remain limited.
Scientific thread
The topic connects directly with Quezia’s broader interests in neuroinflammation, behavior and translational approaches.
Plain-language lens
The review found that the evidence remains limited, and larger, well-designed randomized trials are still needed to clarify effectiveness and long-term safety.
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Research, education and academic writing, made more accessible.
A scientist who explains without oversimplifying
Quezia communicates scientific research and academic knowledge in clear, accessible language, making complex ideas easier to understand without losing scientific depth.
Helping unlock scientific writing
Her science-communication work also addresses scientific writing, helping make the process of developing and communicating academic work more approachable.
Supporting future healthcare professionals
Quezia contributes to student development, scientific engagement and the training of future healthcare professionals through her academic leadership and supervision.
ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Research, leadership and training across institutions
Academic Leadership
Coordinator & Academic Supervisor of the Nutrition and Dietetics Program at Estácio
May 2026–Present
Coordinator & Academic Supervisor, Nutrition and Dietetics Program
Centro Universitário Estácio · Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil · Academic leadership, student development and scientific engagement.
May 2026–Present
Postdoctoral Researcher, Gastrointestinal Inflammation
Her postdoctoral research is conducted at LEFFAG/UFC under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Pedro Marcos Gomes Soares, with a focus on the gut-brain axis and neuroimmune mechanisms.
May 2022–Mar 2026
PhD in Physiological Sciences, with research focused on neuroscience
State University of Ceará (UECE). Doctoral research included neuroscience, animal models and behavioral and preclinical approaches.
Oct 2023–Aug 2024
Visiting Researcher, Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Lancaster University, United Kingdom. Research experience included immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, cell culture, flow cytometry and ELISA.
Aug 2019–Dec 2021
Master’s Degree, Pharmacology
Federal University of Ceará (UFC).
Feb 2013–Jul 2018
Bachelor’s Degree, Nutrition Sciences
State University of Ceará (UECE).
METHODS & SKILLS
A toolkit spanning laboratory work, behavior, nutrition and academic leadership
Nutrition
Animal Behavior
Cell Culture
Flow Cytometry
ELISA
Immunofluorescence
Immunocytochemistry
Western Blotting
Myeloperoxidase Activity
Animal Models
Clinical Research
Scientific Writing
Higher Education Leadership
Student Development